Tuesday November 9, 2004 Minutes

Board members present: Albert McCormick, John Pritchard, Jim Klementisz, Pam Ley

Homeowners present: Joe Cooney, Barb Croke, Bob Croke, Susan Jablokov, Janet Fries, Joni Kirzgavis, Jeannette Goodwin, Mike Goodwin, Fran Tendall, Brian Ley, Dave Marks

Meeting location: Pam Ley’s residence

1. Reviewed last meeting’s minutes:  The common-area trees did not need to be sprayed for gypsy moths. Jim suggested, as advised from our landscaper, if any homeowners notice large gypsy moth nests in their own trees, clip the entire infested branch off of the tree.
2. The electrical pole left by Fieldstone Associates still remains along the front entrance. It was suggested that SR resident-volunteers would be able to easily remove it. PECO disconnected the service wires from the pole.
3. Grass clippings are not permitted to be dumped in any common or wooded areas. Please bag and place with trash for removal.
4. The wandering guinea hens are still a nuisance. We will attempt to identify and notify the owners of the problem, and we will contact Skippack Township to determine if there are requirements (such as permits or penning) concerning the ownership of guinea hens.
5. A suggestion was made to issue all SR Board meeting minutes by mail, rather than only posting them on the web-site. Presently, all meeting minutes are posted at www.skippackridge.com under “Meeting Minutes” for review. The SR Board has agreed to distribute the Meeting Minutes by mail as well.
6. We need volunteers, adults or older children, interested in shoveling snow on the common-area sidewalks for this winter. It is required by Skippack Township that these sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours of snowfall. Volunteers will be paid $25 each job. If anyone is willing to coordinate a team of volunteers, or volunteer themselves, please contact Board@skippackridge.com or send a letter to SR Community Association, PO Box 1411, Skippack, PA  19474.
7. A budget report was given by our Treasurer, John Pritchard, and a copy will be mailed to all residents soon. Dues are once again $375 and will be required to be paid in full by February 15, 2005.
8. Some homeowners had questions about renewing the contract with the same landscaper again next year. Only an occasional mowed area was missed, but there was much improvement from last year. With cost-savings in mind, bids will be taken again by the Board. Any referrals are welcome.
9. Fieldstone Builders update from Jim: All required actions have been completed, with the exception of a safety grate placed on the water retention basin at the front entrance. Dave Marks reported that although Fieldstone had repaired the drainage problem behind his property, the efforts were “washed away” again. Jim will contact Joe Thoma of Fieldstone and Skippack Township Engineer, Timothy Woodrow, for further action.
10. Fran Tendall discussed the progress of the SR front entrance landscaping design. New perennials, mums, tulips have been planted; trees have been pruned; overgrown bushes removed; light bulbs and wiring replaced; mulch and soil were added at the volunteer outing on November 13 . Anyone interested in helping, please watch for notices in the mail. New volunteers are always welcome! A few of the trees have bark that has been damaged by deer. Tree-trunk guards will be purchased to protect the trees from deer rubbing their antlers against them.
11. Sheri Thompson emailed her concerns over the neighborhood’s 25 MPH speed limit. She encourages all residents  to please obey the 25 MPH speed limit in our neighborhood. It was also noted by a resident that school buses have been speeding. Please call Perkiomen Valley School District if this continues to occur. They have already been contacted about this problem.
12. Sheri had concerns about children playing in the streets, and reminds parents it is their responsibility to monitor their children’s actions, and please have them leave the street when a car is approaching.
13. Sheri also had concerns over cat feces in her mulch beds, and the issue of toxoplasmosis it can cause in children. Skippack Township has no leash laws regarding cats. It was suggested by a resident to sprinkle coffee grounds atop the mulch. This actually deters cats from lingering there. Another resident noted that Starbucks coffee shops will give away their coffee grounds for free to anyone who wants them.
14. A discussion was held on the issue of dog urine and feces in the common areas. Pet-owners are reminded that the common-areas should not be used as the daily restroom for dogs.  Of course, while walking a dog on a leash (for pleasure or exercise) if the dog dirties in the common ground, please clean it up.  Children often play and roll around in the common ground grass.  Dog owners are also reminded to please be respectful of other’s property, including mail boxes. Once the scent of urine is at a mail box, it attracts other dogs to stop. Dog urine also changes the color of the grass. There is an ample amount of common space along the walking trail for dogs to relieve themselves during a walk.
15. The tree-gator irrigation bags have been removed from the trees replaced by Fieldstone. Options are to sell these bags to anyone interested, to auction on Ebay.com, or to donate to the 4-H Center. The Board will retain five bags in case they are needed next season. Please contact the Board@skippackridge.com if you are interested in buying any bags.
16. Several new “No Trespassing” signs were of concern by a resident. Graterford prison is responsible for posting these signs along the prison property that many SR homes back up to. Please note there is also an electric fence along that prison property, to contain the deer and horses. The signs along Buck Hollow Road near the parking area were placed by the prison to deter hunters.
17. A welcome-letter was suggested for new residents, with helpful information about the SR Directory and SR web-site/free SR e-mail accounts. A community newsletter will be sent out shortly.
18. Barb Croke voiced her concern and anger over the issue pertaining to the Board’s action of voting by majority to have her shed moved onto her property, and of also notifying Skippack Township of the incident. She stated that she and her husband, Bob, feel personally attacked and used as an example when there are other residents in violation of SR Community By-Laws. Other residents showed their support and concern, and also had questions about the situation on behalf of the Crokes. Fran Tendall gave her interpretation of the original and first Board’s action regarding community violations of the By-Laws, stating certain items were not handled “at that time” leaving an open agenda for future Boards should any issues or concerns about such violations be raised thereafter. The Crokes asked about a legal signed waiver regarding any future liability of the shed, but Albert stated that there is the potential for a joint-liability situation. Residents pointed out that other common-ground violations need to be addressed, and that the Board should be enforcing these violations. Albert stated that “policing” of the neighborhood is not within the scope of this Board. Each issue/violation shall be addressed as it is presented to the Board. A discussion of hiring a property management company to enforce the by-laws/”police” the neighborhood was suggested; the Board agreed this might be beneficial for the community and will look into it.

 The next Board meeting will be held on February 9, 2005, at 7 PM, at the home of Albert McCormick